Coach Thornton has been placing players at colleges for years, but this recruiting process was different. Field hockey recruiting involves more offseason contact with indoor leagues, club teams and travel.

Shawn Thornton deflected the credit to two people — his wife Karin, who he said kept everything organized, and Lobasso.

"I tip my hat to the program Jen Lobasso runs," Thornton said. "It's something any coach in any sport could envy."

Brittany told her parents what she was looking for in a school, and in return Shawn's experience and knowledge of colleges steered her in a direction.

Thornton said she took a road trip, visiting four or five schools over three days. Nothing connected for the forward.

Shawn said he wondered, "was there anyplace that was going to be OK?"

Then came a chance to visit IUP. Thornton took an official visit, and when her parents picked her up after it was over, they knew she found a home.

"She said, 'Boy, they're great,'" Thornton said. "'I could see myself being with that team.'"

Brittany said she was relieved knowing she will sign her scholarship this week with a college she's excited to play for next year.

IUP was 8-11 last year, 5-5 in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division.

"Knowing it's over is a lot of stress off my shoulders," Brittany Thornton said.

Thornton and DeLuca will sign their letters together this week. DeLuca will join former teammate Taylor Parker, who is a freshman at Millersville, which went 19-3 and won the PSAC championship.

It took DeLuca two days at a camp last summer to realize she wanted to go to Millersville. The feeling was mutual.

"The second day the coach offered me some money," DeLuca said.

Before she told her parents or any friends, the senior knew she had found a home. Having an old friend helped, too.

"They're great kids," Lobasso said of Thornton and DeLuca. "When colleges recruit, they are looking for the whole package. There are a lot of great players out there. What helps our kids stand out is they are coachable and have a great work ethic. When you meet these kids, they sell themselves."